Fess Parker may be known world-wide for his portrayal as Davey Crockett and Daniel Boone, but here in Santa Barbara, he was a local businessman and successful entrepreneur. He is probably best known among tourists for his winery in Los Olivos, but he also created two very successful resorts, the Doubletree Resort in Santa Barbara and the Wine Country Inn and Spa Resort in Los Olivos, both of which live up to his expectation for world-class hospitality, integrity, and comfortable luxury.

Adjoined to the lobby of the Wine Country Inn and Spa Resort, is a unique restaurant not commonly found in this region. Petros Los Olivos Restaurant features upscale California-Hellenic cuisine, which is of the Greek and Mediterranean influence, and uses only the freshest of ingredients. Quality is not negotiable, which is why Parker’s wines are the perfect accompaniment.

The menu is quite ambitious, enchanting the taste buds with the first mouth-watering bite. For a unique beginning, the Karouzi Salad, a combination of fresh watermelon, heirloom tomatoes, Epirus feta, and manouri cheese, drizzled with Greek honey, mint and extra-virgin olive oil comes highly recommended. Pair this appetizer with a delicious dry rosé, such as the 2007 Epiphany Grenache Rosé with perfect hints of strawberry, guava, watermelon, and vanilla.

The entrée can be a difficult matter of choice. If sharing, a pizza of either the Horiatiki Flatbread or Kafteri Chicken works well, both perfectly complimented by the 2007 Epiphany Roussanne. A difficult grape to grow yet one that Parker’s winery does quite well. Aged nine months in 100 percent French oak, this wine entices the palate with flavors of honeysuckle, lemon, mild butter, and light vanilla. If pizza is not the entrée of choice, this wine also holds up nicely with many of their vegetarian dishes such as spinach risotto, or perhaps the octopus or shrimp.

When red wine is the preference, one will find a perfectly grilled prime New York Steak or the Kokkinisto, beef short ribs braised in tomato and spices, on the menu to match. Any of Fess Parker’s three Syrahs will round out the intense flavors of either dish quite nicely. If the mood calls for meat but a steak is too much, there are a number of lamb dishes in classic Mediterranean style. The Lamb Pasta or the Feta Crusted Colorado Rack of Lamb are just a sampling of the many delicious choices offered. Fess Parker has an amazing seven different types of Pinot Noir to choose from, of which any will complement the lighter meat dishes wonderfully.

Though Santa Barbara lost a dear friend recently, Fess Parker will be remembered fondly. His memory will live on with each raise of a wine glass filled with one of his many delicious wines.